“When I started working during the pandemic, it was tough,” Sada reflects. “Getting period products was a real struggle, and the limitations around buying them meant families couldn’t get enough. Even those who were unwell couldn’t manage to buy them.”

Our charity stepped in to provide much-needed menstrual products, easing the burden on families like Sada’s. “We started using cloth instead of period products. Toilet paper was limited, too,” she recalls.

But with our support, Sada’s efforts became more effective. “I speak directly with those who need support, offering guidance for financial aid, job opportunities, and delivering food parcels,” she explains. “And I also speak to newcomers to the UK, I met a new mother with a 3-month-old baby. When I saw how tired she was, I knew she needed more than just food. I gave her pampers, too. She couldn’t believe how many items she wouldn’t have to buy any more with the support of Freedom4Girls.”

Word of mouth spread about her work with Freedom4Girls, and Sada became a vital link for her community. “Many people have just enough money for food and necessities, but period products are last on the list,” she observes. “Some families, especially those with only daughters, really struggle.”

Mithla is a mother of four daughters who has been both helped by Sada and works together with her to uplift her community. “Every week, someone in my house starts their period” Mithla recalled, “but since getting products from you, I’ve been able to buy more food. I don’t even worry about passing through the pad aisle anymore.”

Our donations have made a tangible difference. “Reusable period underwear has been incredibly helpful, especially for families with multiple daughters and heavy periods,” Sada notes. “And for mothers, knowing their daughters have access to period products means they don’t have to sacrifice their own.”

Since our charity’s involvement, Sada has noticed a significant shift in the community’s openness about menstrual health. “People feel comfortable discussing their needs now,” she says. “Since we started talking about periods and breaking down the stigma, women feel comfortable asking for help.”

Others echo her sentiment. “We’re lucky to have F4G,” they say. “The period products we receive from Freedom4Girls higher quality than other products we’ve received. Mothers in our group haven’t wanted to use alternatives since.”